The Dominique is believed to be the first breed of chicken in the United States. They were popular on farms due to their ability to forage well for food while providing eggs and meat for the farm. In the late 1800’s their popularity began to decline as people became more interested in the Asiatic breeds. By the early 1970’s they had become critically close to becoming extinct. But with the efforts of a small group of people who continued to push for this breed it has made a comeback.
Dominiques are hardy, do well in confinement or on open range. They are calm by nature, easy to work with, hatch well, feather early, mature young, and are of moderate size. The females aren’t as broody as most exhibition breeds but they are good mothers and excellent layers of brown eggs.
The Dominique is a medium sized bird with black and white barring over the entire body and a rose comb. These birds are great for producing brown eggs and chicken for the pot. Their heavy plumage protects them from the cold weather and provides material for pillows and featherbeds. Their coloration also makes them less conspicuous to predators.
The Dominique is believed to be the first breed of chicken in the United States. They were popular on farms due to their ability to forage well for food while providing eggs and meat for the farm. In the late 1800’s their popularity began to decline as people became more interested in the Asiatic breeds. By the early 1970’s they had become critically close to becoming extinct. But with the efforts of a small group of people who continued to push for this breed it has made a comeback. 
